October is here again. This means I'm dedicating myself to doing one ink drawing a day (like the Yoshi's Island-inspired one here), enjoying more baking, and wondering what in the world I'm going to write for the NaNoWriMo challenge next month.
...The challenge where I write a brand new novel draft in one month.
By now, I usually at least have an idea for a book I want to write. This year? I'm not quite there yet. I better get on that!
Here's a little history before I jump into planning/plotting. For the past four years, starting in 2020, I have hunkered down in November to stretch myself creatively and sometimes emotionally. A friend told me about NaNo, and I joined it without believing I would finish. That first year, I learned two things about myself:
I can write a full first draft of a new novel in just under a month
If I did it once, I can do it again
That first new novel I wrote for NaNo was a fiction therapy story. The core story elements revolved around my painful estrangement from my sister at the end of 2019. I met the 50k word count goal a few days early and was able to process some of my grief and confusion. Though I've never gone back and read that story, writing it kickstarted my dedication to creating a new novel every year.
I have since used the motivation from the main NaNoWriMo challenge in November and the lighter challenges in April and July to write and edit six different novels.
But why bother with NaNo?
Yes, I could write and edit books whenever I feel like it, but there's something about creating a personal challenge, announcing it through an actual website, and sticking to it. When left to my own devices, I may slack off. If I miss my goal, what proof or accountability is there? Even if no one else is monitoring my daily word count updates, it gives me a focal point. Each day, I deposit more words toward that 50k word goal.
Tiny deposits over time lead to great achievements.
This year, I have a few rough story ideas, but I'm still trying to decide which one to develop. This post is more for planning/brainstorming than picking a concept and running with it. For anyone who has multiple ideas bouncing around in the creative side of their brain, feel free to try this exercise. I'm going to list out each idea and consider what they need to soar.
Idea 1: Write a book 4 in my Serene Sundown trilogy
Pros:
Less prep time; the world and characters are already developed
Freedom to expand on details I couldn't in the main trilogy
Able to return to characters I have missed
May lead to future novels for side characters
Cons:
My creativity won't be as challenged
No potential for querying/traditional publication (without the rest of the series)
This is more personal: with how many years I've dumped into this series already, do I want to allot more time to it instead of writing something new?
Greatest Challenge: Creating a continuation of a complete trilogy without the concept feeling stale or rushed
Idea 2: Develop Sci-Fi idea based on a weird dream featuring a ghost train that kidnapped children at night
Pros:
I've written down some ideas/possible directions for the plot
This would be my first Sci-Fi novel, stretching me creatively
Being Sci-Fi, I can create whatever alternate world I want to support the ghost train idea
Cons:
Requires cohesive worldbuilding/lore
I hate trains (funny fact, but I can't stand the ground shaking and those midnight whistles!)
Potential for more of a melancholy storyline (this can affect my mental health)
Greatest Challenge: Because I've never written a full Sci-Fi novel, and rarely read the genre, I lack confidence in portraying this genre well
Idea 3: Develop recent idea for a Chick-Lit based on a Pokemon Go-like game obsession
Pros:
I'm knowledgeable about this topic, being an avid Pokemon Go player
Potential to create my own creatures/concepts within the game
Homage to my love of creature games and being outside
Potential for comedy and awkward situations
Potential to create an eccentric protagonist with conflicting interests
Cons:
Smaller target audience, so may not be query material
Minimal settings with character mostly being at home or outside alone
Greatest Challenge: Creating a concept that appeals to older gamers who also grew up with Nintendo
I'm keeping my options open for other ideas, but I do feel that time crunch. November is right around the corner. I'm not someone who can just dive into a novel without any planning, but trying that route (people call it "pantsing"—the opposite of being prepared with a cohesive plot or story outline) would certainly stretch my creativity!
For now, I'll focus on Inktober and see what other story ideas percolate. I don't want to rush the process or let this next writing project feel like a chore. Whatever's meant to happen will happen. Either way, to God be the glory for giving me this crazy imagination.
Keep on smilin'!
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